Video Conference Meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki

On August 28, commencing at 8:00 p.m. (Japan Time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-African Union Commission (AUC) video teleconference meeting with H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AUC, who is visiting Tunisia to attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
 
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida told Chairperson Faki that he regretted he would not be able to participate in the meeting in person, but that he hoped to lead TICAD 8 to a success with his cooperation. Prime Minister Kishida spoke highly of the AU's efforts under Agenda 2063 to promote peace and stability, counter COVID-19 and boost economic recovery, and expressed his hope to further develop the Japan-AUC relationship, as Japan is also advancing cross-continental initiatives, including corridor development, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and KAIZEN.  In response, Chairperson Moussa Faki, recognizing Japan's actions through TICAD to date, expressed his appreciation for Japan's extensive support for the development, peace and stability of African countries as well as for African institutions and delivered his hope to promote a political dialogue between AUC and Japan . Both sides confirmed to work for further advancement of TICAD process based on the outcome of TICAD 8.
 
2. Prime Minister Kishida then stated that it is essential for the international community to cooperate in its response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and that Japan intends to continue contributing to strengthening food security in Africa. Chairperson Faki stated that Africa is being affected by the war in Ukraine with regard to food security and he is encouraging a political resolution on this issue. Prime Minister Kishida also raised the importance of transparency and fairness of development finance and the two sides confirmed to cooperate with each other on this issue.
 
3. Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to continue to work together in responding to regional and international issues, such as North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council reform. They also confirmed to coordinate to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime following the recent NPT Review Conference.